Press Release

Plymouth Showcased for Community Excellence

Plymouth-Northville Fire Agreement Recognized at Statewide Conference

LANSING, Michigan – The city of Plymouth was among 27 communities showcased on April 9 at the 2013 Michigan Municipal League Community Excellence Award (CEA) competition during the League’s 2013 Capital Conference in Lansing.

Plymouth’s Northville-Plymouth Fire Agreement was among seven presentations at the League’s Region 1 Roundtable, which includes all communities in the southeastern portion of the lower peninsula. The winning Region 1 entry was the Shiawassee River Heritage Water Trail “Come Paddle With Us” joint submission by the communities of Fenton, Holly and Linden. The other Region 1 nominations were Eastpointe’s Service Line Affordable Protection Program; Westland’s Core Shopping and Dining District; New Baltimore’s “Make New Baltimore Your Destination” effort, Rochester’s Main Street Makeover; and Grosse Pointe’s Wellness Center and Patient Facility.

In the application about the project, Plymouth City Manager Paul Sincock said the agreement represents the re-definition of the shared services concept by two municipalities. Both cities – Northville and Plymouth – are similar in size and population and accomplished what many community officials and local politicians thought was impossible: Consolidating fire services for two non-contiguous cities under one simple 11-page, inter-local agreement.

“One year later the public is happy, both cities are saving money, and we are delivering high levels of service,” Sincock said.

The CEA program, affectionately called “The Race for the Cup,” was started by the League in 2007 to recognize innovative solutions taking place in Michigan’s communities.

Michigan Municipal League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services.